Tongariro River

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Looking south towards the Hydro Pool

The Tongariro River is a river in the North Island of New Zealand. It originates in the Central Plateau of the North Island where it is fed by numerous tributaries that flow off the surrounding mountains and hill ranges. It then winds its way north, through the township of Turangi before entering Lake Taupo via a number of river mouths.

The Tongariro River is New Zealand's most fished river, and is a drawcard for anglers the world over, who come to the Tongariro to fish for spawning Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout, which run up the river from the lake to spawn over the colder winter months.

The Tongariro is classed as one of the best trout fishing rivers in the world, and part of its charm lies in its accessibility. New Zealand’s State Highway 1 follows the river for a number of kilometres providing anglers with easy access to the numerous pools and rapids. As many waterways in New Zealand are owned by the Crown, no one person has ownership of any stretch of water. For the cost of a Taupo Fishing Licence (usually around $70-80 New Zealand Dollars) anyone can fish the river. It is therefore not unusual to see locals fishing alongside overseas anglers or celebrities (who are usually out with a guide).

The pools themselves are all named, usually after historical people who have fished the river (Major Jones Pool, Admirals Pool) or places (Fence Pool, Redhut Pool).

Fishing techniques that prove to be popular include nymphing, wet lining and dry fly techniques.